Dear Readers in Christ, "Draw near to GOD, and He will draw near to you" (James 4:8).

Sunday, 22 September 2013

Sep 22 - VANITY OF VANITIES

“Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun” (Ecc 2:11).

Solomon had vineyards, gardens and orchards. He had pools of water, he built many mansions, he had silver and gold, men singers and women singers. Although they may not be sinful pleasures they are indeed pleasures of the world.

Being the richest king of the time, Solomon could enjoy all the pleasures of the world and this he did try. But the statement he makes at the end of his life is that all these pleasures, in the end, only brought trouble to his spirit (vexation of spirit), and that his inner man was restless. He confessed the emptiness (vanity) of his heart. Repeatedly he says, “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.” The more he tried to enjoy the world, the more miserable and unhappy he became. Apart from the life that comes from God, everything is emptiness or vanity. The Psalmist says, “In Thy presence is fulness of joy; at Thy right hand are pleasures for evermore” (Psa 16:11).

St. Paul emptied himself of everything in the world and towards the end of his life, although in prison and waiting to be executed, he was jubilant. Look at the triumphant words of this saint: “Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord, to write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous… Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice!” (Phil 3:1). “I have all and abound: I am full” (Phil 4:18).

Look at the contrast between St. Paul who counted all things as loss for Christ and Solomon who gathered all the pleasures of the world to enjoy them. The end of the life of the man who counted all things but loss for Christ had such a joy and triumph. Even today St. Paul’s life and words give life and light to millions.

Living a lowly life for the sake of Christ will bring joy, peace and triumph, particularly at the end of our life.